Striker in soccer
A striker is the soccer forward who plays closest to the other team’s goal, and the main job is to score and to help teammates score.
It suits players who keep trying after a miss, enjoy shooting and are clever about when to run.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Where the striker stands
At the front of the team, in the middle, near the other team’s center backs. Coaches also say center forward, or the number 9.
With the ball
- Finishes chances with a shot.
- Holds the ball with a defender close, until teammates arrive to help.
- Lays the ball off to a midfielder and spins toward goal.
Without the ball
- Runs in behind the defenders when a teammate is ready to pass.
- Is the first defender: presses the center backs and blocks the pass into midfield.
- Stays close enough to the team to be reached with a pass.
Three habits to practise
Run when the pass is on
Wait level with the second-last defender. Go when your teammate lifts their head to pass, not before.
Shoot early
Take the shot when you have it. Aim low and across the keeper.
Follow every shot
Keep moving toward goal after a shot. Rebounds are chances too.
Shirt number: 9
The striker is usually number 9. The numbers are a coaching custom from the days when starters wore 1 to 11. Players today can wear any number.
In 7v7, 9v9 and futsal
In 7v7 a 2-3-1 has one forward, who must stay close enough to help the midfield. In 9v9 a 3-3-2 has two strikers who share the job: one shows for the ball, the other keeps depth. In futsal the forward is called the pivot.
Formations with a striker
- 2-3-1 (7v7) formationForward (9)
- 3-2-1 (7v7) formationForward (9)
- 2-2-2 (7v7) formationTwo forwards (9 and 10)
- 3-1-2 (7v7) formationTwo forwards (9 and 10)
- 3-2-3 (9v9) formationCenter forward (9)
- 3-3-2 (9v9) formationTwo strikers (9 and 10)
- 2-3-2-1 (9v9) formationStriker (9)
- 3-1-3-1 (9v9) formationStriker (9)
- 4-3-1 (9v9) formationStriker (9)
- 4-3-3 (11v11) formationCenter forward (9)
- 4-4-2 (11v11) formationTwo strikers (9 and 10)
- 4-2-3-1 (11v11) formationStriker (9)
- 3-5-2 (11v11) formationTwo strikers (9 and 11)
- All soccer formations16 formations for 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal, each with a diagram
Questions about the striker
What is the difference between a striker and a forward?
Forward is the wider word: any player in the front line, wingers included. A striker is the forward in the middle, closest to goal.
What does a number 9 do?
The 9 is the striker or center forward. The 9 gives the team height, finishes chances, holds the ball up and presses the other team’s center backs.
How does a striker stay onside?
By waiting level with the second-last defender until the pass is played, then running. A striker who goes too early is offside.
What is hold-up play?
Keeping the ball with your back to goal while a defender pushes behind you. It gives teammates time to run forward and join the attack.
Lessons for this position
- One Forward: Be Close Enough to Help (7v7 lesson)In three-two-one, the only forward keeps a short passing connection with the two midfielders.
- 3-3-2: Split the Two Striker Jobs (9v9 lesson)Two strikers share showing and depth against three defenders, while wide midfielders supply the missing front-line width.
- 4-4-2: Support the Second Ball (11v11 lesson)Forwards at two depths and a midfielder underneath win the loose ball. If Blue wins it, recover through the middle.
- Run When the Pass Is On (11v11 lesson)Run when the pass is on, and leave as it is played so you stay onside (Law 11). If the pass is blocked, check toward the ball first.
Player cards
Strikers in the Futbol Island card binder.
Other positions
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.